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Site Selection Summary
<br />Describe why the proposed site was selected and why it is the best available location for the proposed public library project. If
<br />there are problems with the proposed site, are there mitigating circumstances that lessen the negative impact of the problem or
<br />problems? Describe any proposed design solutions that may moderate the site's drawbacks.
<br />The Manor Community Branch Library was created in the 1960s as part of aCity-wide effort to establish a system of
<br />branch libraries. The location of each branch library was determined by a Library Study that examined library service needs,
<br />population growth and density, and proximity to other neighborhood uses. Based on these factors, the location at the comer of
<br />Manor Boulevard and Farnsworth Street was selected as the best site for the Manor Branch. Although the study recommended
<br />that a 8,000-10,000 square foot building was needed - at a time when the population in the service area was significantly less
<br />than it is today -the branch was established in a 2,100 square foot converted duplex. This facility has provided library services
<br />to the residents of the Washington Manor neighborhood for the past forty years.
<br />In 2001, as part of the development of a new Library Master Plan, the City of San Leandro conducted a study of
<br />possible locations for branch replacements. The proposed site for the Manor Branch is a combination of the existing site and an
<br />adjacent parcel of land. The new site will be able to accommodate the approximately 9,000 square foot civic building and
<br />required parking needed to effectively serve the area residents and projected population growth through the year 2020. This
<br />decision was based on study findings confirming that the existing location is convenient to the neighborhood's major retail
<br />center, schools, housing, and various modes of transportation (e.g. public transit, pedestrian, and bicycle). Extensive community
<br />input during the Master Plan process included patron surveys, focus groups, and interviews. One hundred percent of survey
<br />respondents that use the Manor Branch agreed that the library is in a good location.
<br />While the City of San Leandro purchased the parcel of land adjacent to the existing library in 1998, the City did so with
<br />the intention of using the parcel for any number of local economic development activities, possibly as part of the corner shopping
<br />area. The City's purchase did not pre-determine the new branch library location. To determine the site for the new Manor
<br />Community Branch Library, the City also considered other City-owned sites, as well as sites that were not currently owned by
<br />the City, including a site adjacent on the opposite side of the existing library, a site at the corner of Manor and Farnsworth, and a
<br />site in a neighborhood park. The Library Historical Commission rated potential sites based on eight criteria, including site
<br />capacity, location, visibility, cost/availability, partnerships, aesthetics, community perception/interest, and library service goals.
<br />The Commission's independent evaluation confirmed community sentiment that the Manor Community Branch Library is well-
<br />located and the best option is to expand the current library site. The new library's familiar location will help to ensure that the
<br />branch remains well-known to the community. (The yearly Open House alone draws 500-600 visitors on a single day.)
<br />According to the City's General Plan, no significant land use changes are anticipated during the next 15 years in the
<br />Washington Manor area that would interfere with the proposed site's use for a dedicated library facility. The shopping area at
<br />Manor and Famsworth, according to the General Plan, "has the potential to be a more vibrant neighborhood center and
<br />community focal point" and is identified for local economic development efforts. The library site serves as an anchor in the City's
<br />plans to develop this neighborhood intersection. The combination of convenient retail and library services near one another will
<br />encourage residents to combine shopping, errands, and daily living activities with a visit to the library. The City anticipates using
<br />local development funds to enhance the visual "tie in" between the retail center and the nearby branch library. Within a mile of
<br />the library is the Marina Community Center with its complementary general interest education and recreation activities. The
<br />proximity of bath facilities helps to create an atmosphere of civic gathering places in central Washington Manor.
<br />As a gathering place for students, the Manor Branch already serves the largest number of schools of any service area
<br />in the City: six public schools and three private schools. New residential developments in recent years, including Heron Bay and
<br />Marina Vista, are drawing a growing number of families with children to the service area. The library iswell-located to maximize
<br />the number of students involved in the proposed joint use projects with the two local school districts, including a homework
<br />center, family literacy program, and computer "eLeaming" center. In addition, a number of seniors who visit the library during
<br />mid-day come from the surrounding neighborhood, in which there are two senior-oriented residential developments. The
<br />location and design of the site is accessible to both students and seniors, who may more often rely upon walking, drop-off (at the
<br />new five-minute parking zone), and public transportation. Paratransit services will lead directly to the new, fully-accessible
<br />Manor Branch.
<br />There are no anticipated drawbacks to the location of the site.
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